“I owe everything to you” - Emotional McIlroy pays heartfelt tribute to parents after second Masters triumph

Masters champion Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates with his family during the Green Jacket Presentation Ceremony following the final round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Rory McIlroy paid special tribute to his parents after winning back-to-back Masters titles and said they inspired him to want to be the best father he can be.

Parents Rosie and Gerry were not at Augusta National last year to witness his breakthrough Masters win, which ended his decade-long Major drought and made him just the sixth player to complete the Grand Slam.

They worked multiple jobs to help fund his amateur career and McIlroy did not forget them as he addressed the Augusta National members and the thousands of Master patrons gathered around the putting green for the green jacket presentation.

“This is the hard part,” McIlroy said, his voice choked with emotion. “I want to say a few thank yous to the people on my left.  

“First and foremost, my wife and daughter, Erica and Poppy. They have to put up with me at home and trusted me. Sometimes that's a tough thing to do, but they have been my biggest supporters.

“And you know this has definitely turned into Poppy's favourite week of the year.  

“I don't know if it's because of the par three tournament or it's the all-you-can-eat ice cream in the Player Services Building.  

“And also, I want to thank — not thank, geez — my Mom and Dad. They weren't here last year to celebrate with us.

“And surprisingly, I had to convince them to come this year because they thought that the reason that I won was because they weren't here.  

“So I'm glad that we proved that wrong, but Mom and Dad, I owe everything to you.

"You are the most wonderful parents, and if I can be half the parent to Poppy as you were to me, then I know I've done a good job.   

“To my caddy, Harry (Diamond), that number one on the boiler suit looks pretty good. I think you should keep it for next year.  

“My team, (manager) Sean (O’Flaherty), Niall (O'Connor), (Performance Coach) Ro (Sharma), Fax (putting coach Brad Faxon), Dr Bob (mental coach Rotella), (coach) Michael Bannon, back home.

“You know, I'm out there and Harry's with me on the golf course, but it's a huge team effort to get to this place, and everyone knows how important they are to me, and I can't wait to celebrate with you all tonight.”